*U.S. Patent 9,482,375

Cabriolet Hydraulics patented hydraulic couplers* are designed to repair or reconnect the most common hydraulic hoses, also known as lines or pipes, used in modern convertible top hydraulic systems. In many cases, leaking convertible top hydraulic hoses can be easily and permanently repaired on-the-car with basic hand tools. Hoses are crimped internally and externally the same way as they are with the factory connectors. Most hydraulic systems with these small bore (internal) diameter lines operate at a peak pressure of 200 bar or 2900 psi. Cabriolet Hydraulics hose couplers are pressure tested to 10,000 psi without failure. Cabriolet Hydraulics hose repair couplers fit most factory (OEM) hydraulic hoses installed in modern convertible, vario-roof and retractable hardtops made by:

If the coupler is not the solution for you, we can supply high pressure replacement hoses for your application. See our Convertible Top Hydraulic Hoses page here: Contertible Top Hydraulic Hoses.

Coupler Installation Requirements:

**click images to enlarge**

1. Cabriolet Hydraulics couplers* fit only factory installed hoses with 1.8mm and 2.0mm internal (bore) diameters and 4.5mm outer diameters. Check printing on your damaged OEM hose to identify the actual hose bore diameter. Couplers* will fit hoses with the following printed designations: AF1.8, DN1.8 for 1.8mm and AF2.0, DN2.0 for 2mm bores. The hoses must have a 4.5mm outer diameter. Actual outer diameters can vary between 4.45mm and 4.55mm. See Pic1 for examples of printed sizes on the most common factory installed hoses. Measure the outer hose diameter with a precision vernier caliper.

2. The coupler can be used to reattach a hose with a minimum length of .750″ (19mm) from the metal connector, see Pic2. The hose should not be cut too close to the fitting unless it is necessary for the repair.

3. The coupler must not interfere with the top mechanism. The repaired hose must have an adequate bend radius so that it does not fold and collapse on itself during operation. See Pic2 for coupler dimensions.

4. Space must be provided for handling the installation tools.

5. The coupler is designed for a one-time use. Once the coupler is crimped, it cannot be reused.

Coupler Installation Instructions:

Disclaimer: These instructions are intended as a guide. A similar procedure can be performed in actual on-the-car hydraulic hose repairs. Read entire instructions and understand them before you begin the repair. Make sure that you have a clear plan for your particular repair from start to finish. Common sense and experience must be applied. If after reading through these instructions you are unsure about your ability, seek experienced help. Cabriolet Hydraulics is not liable for damages or injury

Step 1: Before beginning repair, make sure that ignition is OFF and the hydraulic system is depressurized.

Step 2: With a sharp utility knife, make perpendicular cuts to remove damaged section of hose. This will ensure square clean cut hose ends. Whenever possible, use a block of wood to support the hose. The knife should slice through the hose easily, see Pic4. Do not use wire/diagonal/side cutters, saws or cut-off wheels. Such tools distort the cut ends of the hose and produce loose particles that can enter the hose and cause hydraulic system failure.

Step 3: Make sure that both crimping nuts are situated loosely on the coupler. Hold coupler firmly with one hand and with the other hand insert the hose forcefully with a twisting motion into coupler, see Pic5.

Step 4: Unscrew the crimping nut and slide away from the coupler as shown in Pic6.

Step 5: Hold coupler firmly with hand or clamp with locking pliers around the center hex of the coupler body, see Pic7.

Step 6: Fold the supplied patch of sandpaper with abrasive side over the hose and clamp slightly with narrow nose pliers, see Pic8. This will provide grip while protecting the hose from the pliers. Using the narrow nose pliers, push the hose into the coupler while twisting back and forth, until the hose is seated against the shoulder. A gap of .040″ (1mm) or less is acceptable however contact with the shoulder is preferred, see Pic9. If necessary, use a flashlight and magnifier to verify the position.

Important notes: The pliers and sandpaper patch are intended to aid in inserting most 1.8mm internal diameter hoses into the coupler because the hose fits tighter over the barbed center of the coupler.

Once installed, the tighter fitting hoses may be too difficult to remove from the coupler without damaging the hose end. If the hose is removed, inspect the end very carefully and trim off any damage. Do not attempt to cut and split the hose length wise inside of the coupler. Doing so will damage the barbed center and cause a leak. Any tampering or damage to the coupler will void the warranty.

For some 1.8mm and most 2.0mm internal diameter hoses, the pliers and sandpaper patch may not be necessary to insert the hose into the coupler. The looser fit will allow the hose to be inserted by hand.

Step 7: To prevent cross threading, thread the crimping nut onto the coupler by hand until resistance is felt. The nut should be 1/8″ away from the center hex of the coupler, see Pic10.

Step 8: Support the center hex with a 3/8″ open-ended wrench or narrow nose locking pliers and with another 3/8″ open-ended wrench or adjustable wrench, and turn the crimping nut until it bottoms against the center hex. Rotation will become more difficult as the nut begins to bottom. A definite stop will be felt when the clamping nut bottoms, see Pic11.

Step 9: At this point, finalize your hose routing before the other hose end is inserted into the coupler. Once the hose is inserted and crimped into the coupler it cannot be removed. Repeat Steps 4-9 for the other hose end.

Coupler Warranty

Cabriolet Hydraulics Couplers* are designed for automotive hydraulic convertible top hose repairs having specific requirements, see Coupler Installation Requirements. When properly installed, our couplers are warrantied for 5-years. These are high quality parts made in the USA. Cabriolet Hydraulics has sold over 3000 units to repair shops and individuals without a single failure. To receive a warranty replacement, the coupler in question must be sent back to us along with the attached hoses on both ends for inspection. The returned coupler will be inspected to make sure that it was properly installed. Any damage due to tampering, mishandling or improper installation of the coupler will void the warranty.